(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

The old MBTA power switching station at the corner of Avon and School AND the adjacent gas station at the corner of School and Summer have been purchased by a luxury condo developer. According to the city planning dept. we can expect at least nine units on the gas station site, plus at least two more units on the MBTA site. If the new zoning passes, the gas station site would permit 27 units! It’s astonishing how fast the situation is spinning out of control, thanks to the corrosive influence of unbridled greed. Somerville Ave is already a sea of green particle board. In a few years from now the old Somerville will be unrecognizable, its history and culture utterly erased, and much of its current population displaced.

Eagle Feathers #90 – Somerville Spirits

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

Somerville’s roots run deep. As a city, she goes back to 1872. As a town, she goes back to 1842; and as Charlestown, Beyond the Neck, she dates back to 1628. This was two years before Boston was established in 1630.

Arrests:
*

Rickey Perry, of 1374 Broadway, October 27, 1:48 a.m., arrested at Broadway on warrant charges of operation of number plate violation, unregistered motor vehicle, and uninsured motor vehicle or trailer.

Rainsfor Rouner, of 35 Beacon St., Chelsea, October 27, 6:34 p.m., arrested at Beacon St. on charges of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and violation of city ordinance open container.

Our guest columnist this week is Union Square resident Kirk Etherton:

One great thing – or problem – about my living here in “Greater Somerville” (which includes Boston) is that there are always so many very good events, it’s easy to miss something great.

Alex Munteanu explores what it means to be fenced in – even when we think we are not. Munteanu is a junior at Endicott College, studying Creative Writing and Photography. She has been published in The Endicott Review, for which she is an editor. Alexandra enjoys writing poetry and fiction.

— Photos by Donald Norton

Alderman at Large:

Jack Connolly 3670

Sean Fitzgerald 3512

Mary Jo Rossetti  4128

Dennis Sullivan  4350

William White  4035

With 100% of Somerville Ward 3’s vote counted, Lee Erica Palmer was honored to earn a seat on the Somerville School Committee with 81% of the vote, according to the unofficial tally.

ResiStat meetings are an opportunity for you to learn more about things happening in your neighborhood – including development in Winter Hill – as well as ask questions and share your ideas with the Mayor, elected and city officials, and your neighbors.

Many of us do feel a certain sense of loyalty to and take pride in the neighborhoods we live, work and play in. And why not? We choose to live in this great city for reasons of our own, and it’s clear that most of us really enjoy it here.

By Donald Norton

An old city election political sign showed up under siding that was removed recently while the homeowner was remolding their home.

Gus Barrasso was an alderman here in the city in the late 60’s and early 70’s, in Winter Hill, Ward 4.